This week I created this topic for everyone. Please feel free to post your thoughts and suggestions to the class blog. Is there any issue for you? your centre? or even your children at home?
Look forward to your post(s)
Mel
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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I have a few issues with using technology at my centre. The other teachers are quite weriy with the children using the cameras, incase they get broken. i feel that this needs to be delt with, as the children should have the opportunity to use this equipment, as it is something that is a big part of their world.
ReplyDeleteKia Ora Melanie. I just wanted to highlight a major issue concerning the use of technology in centres, which is that some teachers are reluctant to try using technological equipment. Or at least this is an issue in my home centre. I am of the view that we need to support our fellow colleagues in up skilling and centres need to provide ongoing proffessional development. I also believe that educators need to be confident and knowledgeable in this area in order to develop children's skills in relation to technology.
ReplyDeleteKia Ora Mel and the rest of the students that follow this blog. At this stage I am finding it hard to implement technologies in to my practice where children are able to explore technology freely. Lack of technological resources is another factor and my centre is in a low socio economical area where children do not get an opportunity to explore technology at home or centre. Are there any suggestions as to how I can bring about changes to these little hurdles I am facing?
ReplyDeleteSame here with me,the only thing i can relate my centre to ICT at present is through using the digital camera, the laptop where we do things for children's portfolio and.... Usually we communicate with parents by phone or when they pick up or drop their children.Paper works or office works are usually done by the office lady and its nothing to do with us.All I can say is that sometimes it depends on the philosophy of the centre and sometimes ICT is not popular for children to learn.
ReplyDeleteHi Mel and the 3rd year students connected to this blog. My centre allows children to use technology freely with the support from a teacher. ICT is very important at my centre and the teachers work together to allow children to use the equipment. Computers, printers, laminators, scanners, cameras, video cameras and laptops are all part of the centre which the children have the opportunity of being involved with. I personally support the use of ICT therefore the toddlers have the utmost support from me when it comes to technology.
ReplyDeleteIncorporating these new technolgies into our everday teaching/learning experiences can be daunting, and it is a whole new mindset shift. I have found that if you start using technology the other teachers begin to see how valuable and easy it is. I also had to bring in my own equipment first if the centre didn't have it. I guess it is like all areas in childcare - someone has to lead the way - kia kaha to all the teachers who have to do this.
ReplyDeleteNet Safe class yesterday was really interesting. There are always fears when something new is introduced to society and Netsafe addresses these in a balanced and practical way. It was good to hear about and talk about possible scenarios that I hadn't even considered.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most important things that I have learned over the last three years is that 'teaching is really about positioning yourself as a learner with children and other adults". Incorporating technology into our practice highlights just how true this is.
This is the principle of Ako (Tamaiti, 2005).
The Maori word for teacher is "Kaiako".
"Kai" means "food"
"Ako" means to teach and to learn
Hmmmm - gives us food for thought?
(A little play on words there).
I feel that there is definately a lack of technology in a lot of centres these days when we should be trying to increase the technology that we provide for children. Life is becoming one where technology is relied on and used frequently, so I feel it is our job as teachers to help get them up to speed. The world is changing and we need to change with it so that the children we are teaching do not get left behind in a new technological age. At my centre we do not provide as much technology for children as I would like, partially because of the cost of the equipment. We let children use digital cameras if they wish, but it does not happen very often and if it does there is close supervision. They do not have access to the internet, but there is a computer for the older children to play math and literacy games on. I will continue to advocate for new technological equipment for the children at my centre and will also continue to upskill myself so that I can lead them through that journey.
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ReplyDeleteHi, Mel and fellow students. I know that many centres have taken up the challenge of using technology and recognised the opportunities technology brings to their setting, however my home centre restricts children's use of modern technology. The computer room which is supposed to be open once a week was closed for a few weeks because the teacher-in-charge was absent. No other teachers were allowed to supervise the use of computers by children until the teacher returns. There are digital cameras in the centre but only teachers are permitted to use fearing that children would break them. Printers, laminators are used exclusively by teachers. As the use of computers and other digital technologies continues to rise in early childhood settings, our children must not be left behind. Te Whariki states that our children need to go on acquiring new knowledge and skills. Computers and modern technology do not weaken children's learning but enhance, extend as well as increase their learning experiences.
ReplyDeleteI read a report the other day through the internet about a "Cherry.bytes children's laptop mobile lab" which I have never heard of before. The author said Kindercare Learning Centre in New Zealand used this innovative concept to address access issues by bringing computers to children in specailly modified vans. Staff are trained specialists. The programme is designed for preschoolers. It is empowering to children, is able to capture children's interests, to encourage problem solving and social interactions. Most importantly, it supports children's passion for learning. I really hope to have a chance to experience this model. I always think working with computers is advantageous for young children. I want all children to have the experience and hands-on learning to help them use computers as tools for learning all their lives. However, teachers must have specialized training and professional development so that they have the confidence and competency to guide their children. Teachers also need the time to play, explore and discover for themselves. They have to integrate these experiences with developmental theory and research so as understand how technology can better enhance children's learning. The future looks promising for technology in early childhood programmes.
ReplyDeleteAt my centre, only the teachers get to use all of the technology. I think that it is because the teachers are concerned with the children using the technology. They probably are worried that they might damage the technology. But I think that the children should be able to use technology and provide supervision if teachers feel that the children needs help and are concerned with the children using technology. I think that if the children uses technology, it can help them gain more knowledge about many things and they will benefit from it. As we are living in a more advanced world filled with technology, I think that it is really important for the children to be able to use and work with technology. One thing that disappoints me is that, awhile ago, we had a computer for the children to use and play with, but for some reason, they took it away. So now, only teachers use all the technology that we have. I really feel that the children should be allowed to use the technology. Now, all I could do is hope that the teachers will realize this fact and let children use technology.
ReplyDeleteWe have had limited ICT opportunities for toddlers in our centre, but through this course it occured to me that this could be included more by invoLving children more in our documenting process such as the taking of photos, down loading them onto the computor and printing them off, this does require an offical excursion up to the office at the a joining centre but is well worth it. Their has been a noticable interest in the large photo documentation on our walls by the children of their activities and events that they have been envolved in, I belive that this is because of their envolment of the documentation process, which has enhanced their understanding of ICT.
ReplyDeleteI believe that professional development plays a major role in the implementation of ITC within the centres. A lot of the early childhood teachers have trained before technology was out there for the children to use. If they could see how valuable it was and how it could be used to enhance the children's learning. It is something that we as early childhood teachers could advocate for within our centres. I believe that in society today it is important that children have access to computers and cameras and other ITC as when they go to school they become very valuable tools to continue their learning.
ReplyDeleteVivian I am very initereste in the moblile unit that you spoke of. Do you have a link that we cn get some information from?
ReplyDeleteMy centre features many ICT tools. We have a smart board, an overhead projector, a desktop computer, two digital cameras, a printer, some educational software CDROMs and an access to the Internet. ICT is incorporated into daily programmes and staff supports the children’s learning on ICT. At mat time, the teachers might go to YouTube to play appropriate video clips, like New Zealand’s national Anthem, for the children to sing along to or access to some educational websites, such as starfall (http://www.starfall.com/) to increase the children’s learning on phonics. The children are experiencing an environment where they watch the teachers access the Internet using the mouse and the computer and where they have a great time enjoying music which is offered by the combination of the computer, the projector and the smart board. At free play, the preschool children can access the desktop computer at the activity area to play some educational software programs under the teachers’ supervision. Actually, the children’s knowledge, skills and disposition towards ICT is enhanced greatly.
ReplyDeleteSome classmates mentioned above some concerns raised from using ICTs at centre. For example, concern about the damage to the digital camera. We faced the same problems. What we do at my centre, is we discuss with them at the staff meeting. All the teachers contribute their ideas and give reasonable suggestions. In regards to using a camera safely, we decided to string the camera. When a camera is used by a child, the string around his/her neck will protect it from being dropped onto the ground. As it is said we are immigrants in the ICT world. Some of us are confident in using ICTs whilst others are not. Working as a team can offer each member strong support and reassurance.
ReplyDeleteHi Mel
ReplyDeleteIn my home centre, only the teachers have access to technology like the computer, ipod and digital camera. The childen are not allowed to use technology as teachers are worried that they might not know how to handle them It is sad though because we are living in the 21st century where technonlogy is advancing so fast and yet we don't allow the children to use it. I hope that my centre will consider the option for children to use may be the digital camera for a start.
When I started looking at the images in this course blog, I sort of smile especially when I looked at the baby lying with the phone and the child surrounded by gadgets about information technology. I had a question pop out in my mind "What if this situation will happen in a certain time? Can it be manageable?" I dont know about your idea people, but I believe this moment that technology has its advantage and disadvantage.
ReplyDeleteAs you might know that the internet can bring you anything, including sports,that children need to play in actual. Some children just play it in the computer and do not go outside any more. What do you think about this?
Another fear of mine is the imagination that people will not feel the actual feelings anymore where someone feels trough face to face or the importance of touch in our life because of the easy connection through the internet. Sometimes members of the family just communicate by texting or leaving a message in their facebooks or blog.Where are we heading to in this modern technology era?
Issues Concerning Technology in ECE - In my centre I see that there are 2 big issues concering Technology in my centre. The first being the lack of funds. My centre is only 1year old and relevately well equipped considering the age but at present there are no funds for buying computers for the classroom. The staff laptops are not allowed for use within the classroom. I would find it very beneficial for children's learning to use a computer for research, news reports, music and also extending and displaying photo experiences. Maybe it will be something I can push for in the future. The second issue i see is the knowledge and experience of the Teachers within the classroom. If the teachers are competent in their technology use, especially computers, they usually have no problems implementing technology in the classroom. If the teachers are less experienced and find technology a challenge they are less likely to provide experiences that foster this. I have seen this in my own classroom and believe that teachers need to upskill and keep with the times - especially in our fast-paced, media focused world. I rate myself fairly competent when it comes to computer/technology use but I never blogged before so this course was very beneficial for my learning and upskilling. I was a bit unsure and confused at first but once into blogging, can see the benefits of it and how we can communicate with our preschool familes.
ReplyDeleteMy centre do allows children to use technology by supervision especially while using computer. But I have some concern about other technology like camera. Teachers have fear and they think that children uses camera, they may mishandle it or may be broken incase. As far as I think children should use technology freely and they should be given right instruction to use it. I also think that there is lack of technology been used in my centre for children to explore like computer games and some computers especially for children. I also believe that we as educators should feel confident in developing technology with young children.
ReplyDeleteI agree with my class mates that there are centres out there that does not allow ict in their centre. I am very fortunate that my centre fosters children's interest in ict. Children are taught on how to look ater the camera e.g. wrap camera tie around wrist. Children are able to take photos of what interest them around the centre environment etc.
ReplyDelete